Healthy Living for All

Supermodel, TV personality and mother Karolina Kurkova shares why she is joining the fight against hunger

March 19, 2015

by Karolina Kurkova

When I moved to the United States from the Czech Republic, I was shocked to learn that access to healthy and nutritious food was not available to everyone. While the diet in my country is a little different from what’s common here, where you lived or how much money your family made did not dictate one’s ability to have a fresh, balanced and nourishing dinner each night.

For me and my family, making healthful choices is a part of our everyday routine. I have worked hard to instill in my son, Tobin, the benefits of a balanced life. I’m lucky that I am able to offer him fresh and natural food. I also encourage him to get involved in making his experience and the world around him a more sustainable place. We plant our own herbs and have a small garden, we work to recycle as much as we can and do our best to talk about why these choices are better than others.

Unfortunately, for the 21 million children who rely on free and reduced priced lunch, which can be one of the only guaranteed meals of their day, an opportunity to incorporate healthier foods into their diet or learn about nutrition education may not be an option. As a mother, it breaks my heart to know that any child would face hunger.

Seeing the food inadequacies that so many face today, and knowing how important a holistic and healthy lifestyle has become to my family drove me to join Feeding America and their mission to ensure that no one in America faces hunger. Through volunteering with its network of food banks, I’ve been able to see firsthand the difficult journey that so many of our neighbors face. This crisis is especially significant to me during National Nutrition Month this March. No family or child should have to wonder where their next meal will come from, or be denied access to nutritious foods.

While eating healthy may not be accessible to everyone, there is something we can all do to help children and families in need. Bring healthy snacks like naan or dehydrated fruit when asked to provide for your kids classrooms so their classmates will be able to enjoy something more nourishing; when donating to your local food bank choose protein packed items like canned salmon or tuna for those in need; and relish in the ability to choose to start your day with something healthful.

We all have the ability to impact the lives of children in need, it transcends culture and country, and is our best bet in making this world a better place.

Karolina Kurkova’s National Nutrition Month Tip:

Everyone should celebrate healthy eating during National Nutrition Month, but also every day! I would encourage us all to step out of your comfort zone, try something new and work towards better health.

Here’s a green juice recipe that Tobin and I make together, it tastes great and allows him to get involved in making healthy choices!